Falling For You

~Chapter #38~

Vineet finds Ruhana stuck on the road whining in pain. She sprained her leg and the non-stop rain got her stuck in a shop. Vineet heaves a sigh of relief when he spots her, she is sitting on the stairs of a shop. He sits near her and asks her many questions but she simply says that she’s hurt in her leg. Vineet helps her get up, hires an auto and takes her to the hotel as she is fully drenched in the rain. On the way, they inform their teachers who allow them and ask Ruhana to take care.  Since it’s a free day, Ruhana can rest and can continue her shopping the next day.

They reach the hotel and Vineet drops Ruhana to her room while he moves to his room because he is also drenched in the rain. They can’t risk their lives after all. Ruhana takes a hot water shower and changes into a fresh set of crop top and lowers, which she prefers wearing when she lounges. And this won’t look bad if she has to go meet the professors.

As Ruhana finishes dressing up, there is a knock on the door and along with it, Vineet’s voice hits her ears. She lets him in and he applies an ointment on her hurt leg and binds it with crepe bandage. She’s looking at him as he is doing his task. She knows that he’s worried, she has seen the worry and care for her in his eyes. He finishes his task and gently places her leg on the bed. He looks at her and she instantly knows that he wants to say something.

“Ruhana!”  He takes her name first, he wants to make sure that she will listen to him and as she looks in his eyes, he gets his answer.

“I’m sorry, Ruhana. I know, I have hurt you a lot.” Vineet says and these words leave Ruhana surprised.

“Really! You took so much time!” Ruhana says, her eyes never leaving his.

“I know, Ruhana! But all of these days have been stressful without you. I promise, I will try to be the person you want me to be.” Vineet says and she’s more astonished.

“Vineet, you promised me this before we commenced for the trip.  You promised me again 2 days ago too. And then you broke your words. How can I believe you?” Ruhana looks at him.

Vineet is perplexed. The girl is right. All these years, she has been trying to make him a happy person. She has always given him time and he has asked for more time in turn. He promises her but breaks them in an instant. It’d be hard for anyone to believe a person who breaks their promises every now and then. Vineet looks at Ruhana and she is already waiting for her answer.

He walks near to her bed and sits on his knees. He holds her hands in his and looks into her eyes — He’s guilty for hurting her and he wants to clear it for one and final time.

“I know, I have hurt you. But, I mean my words this time. But, you don’t get angry. Tumhari narazgi apne aap mein ek bahut badi sazaa hain, Ruhana. I cannot see you stepping away from me. Please, forgive me!” Vineet says, genuinely.

“I promise, I will share everything with you. You should know, tumhe haq hain — tumhe haq hain mere baare mein sab kuch jaanne ka!” Vineet says and Ruhana looks at him in surprise.

“ Do you think so? I mean, will you abide by your words?? I don’t doubt you, Vineet. Because, for me, your words are the decisions that you make for me, but for you, you never tell me what you feel! So, I am just curious!” Ruhana asks, she knows he is apologising genuinely, but she wants to make sure that he will not back off his own words.

“No! I won’t backoff my words, Ruu! These two days were hell boring and heavy without you. You do so much for me, and I haven’t done anything for you. But, now, it would be different. I will try to be the person you want me to be. Promise!” He says and there is a smile playing on his lips.

Ruhana looks at him for some good seconds while he blinks his eyes in affirmation. A smile forms on her lips and she hugs him instantly. He’s surprised but hugs her back. After all, he’s getting it after two days and he wants to take in all her warmth.

“I’m glad Vineet. I know it is not easy but please know that I am always there. Mumma and papa are there too. Remember, you address them as Ma and dad too. Then, please consider it as your family only.” Ruhana says as she parts the hug and looks at Vineet.

“You know what? Seeing you in pain is very painful for me. You’re my best friend and I always wish the best for you. But you need to come out of your shell and live your life. Tum apne past ki wajah se apna future barbaad nahi kar sakte, Vineet.” Ruhana says.

“If you are ready to try again, I will help you. I can leave anything in this world, but not you. So, please, just let me know, han. I really wish that you will not break this promise now — agar tumne fir se promise toda toh main bhi toot jaaungi.” Ruhana says, boring her eyes into his.

Vineet knows that she is right. He has to leave his shell. He may not have his own mom beside her but Ruhana’s mom has been her mother figure always. She has always fulfilled his wishes when his own mom didn’t. This girl is also working hard to bring him back to life and he has to take a step. If not now —when?

Vineet sighs deeply. He holds her hands in his, he kisses her knuckles gently.

“ I know, Ruhana. And you know, you are my sunshine in the dark. Main tumhe nahi kho sakta. I will try my best. Par tum phir se naraaz na hona, please.”  Vineet says making her smile.

“You keep your promise and you will always find me near yourself. Aur main naraaz bhi nahi houngi. I just need you, and I want you to try. I hope I can rely on you that you will bring my best friend back?” She questions.

Vineet says nothing but nods his head positively. This is little he can do for this lady in front of him. She has done only good to him and he has to become better for her. This is the only thing, Vineet can do for Ruhana. She smiles and hugs him tightly, once again.

Vineet has a relieved smile on his face, he’s glad that she’s happy and no more angry with him. And now, he needs to work on himself, he can’t lose her again.

To Be Continued.

Will Vineet abide by his words?

Stay tuned.